RHS sending three to state

Last year the Richmond cross country team failed to send a runner to the state meet for the first time in several years. That streak did not last long as three runners from RHS will be heading to Jefferson City for the Class 2 meet this Saturday.
Henry Smith, a junior, was the lone Spartan to finish in the top 15 at Saturday’s District 8 meet held at Swope Park in Kansas City. Smith was 13th in the field with a time of 18 minutes, 44 seconds.
Two Lady Spartan runners will be heading to the State Capitol to represent Richmond. Senior Hannah Alpers ran 40 seconds better than her personal best to finish in 13th spot with a time of 23:03, while her teammate, junior Deanna Barger was one spot behind with a time of 23:09.
As a team, the Spartans finished fifth with 128 points. The top two teams automatically qualify for the state meet with St. Pius X taking first with 27 points, while Maryville was the runner-up with 60. Lawson placed fourth with 86 points.
Richmond sophomore Steven Smith finished 24th with a time of 19:48, with Kayleb Dunwoodie, a senior, finishing 29th with his personal best of 20:07.
Also for the Spartans, junior Blaine Broderick took 30th in 20:23, followed by junior Josh Isgriggs turning in a time of 20:37 for 33rd, and freshman Luke Bailey taking 38th in 20:48.
The Lady Spartans had just four runners and were not eligible for team competition. LaToya Johnson, a sophomore, was timed in 26:35, to take 35th, with senior Krystal Denham timed in 28:56, which placed her at No. 42.
The state meet will be held at the Oak Hills Golf Center. The Class 3 boys get the day started at 9 a.m. The Class 2 girls’ race will get underway at 11:15 a.m., with the boys leaving the starting line at 12:30 p.m.